Donald Trump’s commitment to implementing tariffs as trade policy foundations began in the 1980s following Japan’s economic gains which inspired his negative perspective of the situation. From his position as a New York real estate mogul Trump observed Japanese investors acquire Rockefeller Center as well as other iconic American properties while the U.S. faced difficulties in competing against Japanese electronics manufacturers and automobile companies.
The economic dominance of Japan together with bilateral trade imbalances led Trump to believe that the United States operated as a target for unfair practices. According to Barbara Res who served as an executive at Trump Organization he noted a deep hostility toward Japan. Trump voiced his disagreement about Japan’s trade surplus and military defense dependency on America through appearances starting from his Oprah Show episodes up to Larry King Live broadcasts in the 1980s.
During 1987 Trump paid for full-page newspaper advertisements where he blamed Japan for using American defense protections without reasonable payment and called for protectionist trade measures to achieve equity. His current thinking duplicates his original dealmaker perspective which derives from his identity as a businessman. During his presidency Trump maintains his practice of using tariffs to bully nations despite economists and politicians who condemn them for damaging bilateral agreements and home market buyers. 
Despite being crucial allies with Japan today Trump directed his attention towards China through his tariff strategies. His basic principle about tariffs continues through his presidency because he believes they allow America to maintain dominance and safeguard its domestic interest but the ongoing discussion about their efficacy continues.
